Malshej Ghat lies in the heart of Western Ghats. It is a stunning mountain pass beautifying the Pune district of the state of Maharashtra. You might wonder why it is a tourist attraction. This hilly terrain is popular for its lush green surroundings, cascading waterfalls and mountains. I should say that this hill is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. You can get panoramic views of the Sahyadri Ranges from this peak. If you are looking for a tourist attraction in Maharashtra filled with tranquillity and natural beauty. Particularly, the hill is popular for its monsoon magic. During the monsoon, the entire area transforms into a green paradise. It is enveloped with mist. This post aims to share every detail before you plan your visit to these hills.
Malshej Ghat – An Introduction
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is part of the Western Ghats Range. Some species of birds call this region to be their home. They are flamingos, cuckoos and quails. Are you planning a visit to this hill station? If so, lush valleys and beautiful waterfalls await you. If you are a visitor interested in taking part in exciting pursuits and learning about the local wildlife, you can plan your trip to this hill station. You will get a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature at this hill station.
How to Reach Malshej Ghat?
Located around 148 km from Mumbai and 128 km from Pune, Malshej Ghat has excellent road connectivity not only to these cities but also to other regions in the state. Here are the different modes of transportation you can choose to reach this hill station:
By Bus
You can find both private and state-run buses from nearby towns like Junnar, Kalyan, Pune and Mumbai. If you are travelling from other states in India, you can reach one of the popular towns in Maharashtra. Thereafter, you can travel on a state-run bus to reach the ghat.
By Train
Kalyan Junction is the nearby railway station to Malshej Ghat. From Kalyan Junction, the distance to the hill station is around 85.6 km. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi. Otherwise, you can also look for local buses to take you to the hill station.
The other option available is Igatpuri Railway Station. From this station, the distance to the ghat is 89 km. You can cover this distance by hiring a taxi.
By Flight
The airport close to Malshej Ghat is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The distance from this airport to Malshej Ghat is around 130 km. Pune Airport located around 120 km is yet another option. From one of these airports, you can hire a taxi to reach the hill station.
By Car
Are you travelling from Mumbai, Pune or nearby towns and cities? If so, driving is a convenient option. The roads connecting the ghat with different towns are maintained well. You can expect the routes to be scenic as they will pass through Western Ghats. A road trip from Mumbai or Pune will take around 4-5 km.
Key Attractions & Things To Do
Indeed, before you choose to visit any tourist attraction, you will be interested in knowing about the things to do and key attractions in the attraction. You can gain more knowledge here:
Things to Do in Malshej Ghat
Trekking
It should be stated that Malshej Ghat is a paradise for trekkers. You can find a lot of trails that lead to different viewpoints, waterfalls and forts in these hills. Popular trekking routes here include Naneghat, Ajoba Hill Fort and Harishchandragad. These treks range from easy to moderate difficulty levels. So, beginners can also trek on these routes.
Camping
Are you an adventure seeker? If so, the best thing you can do is to camp in Malshej Ghat. When you choose to camp, you can spend a night under the stars surrounded by lush green surroundings. In this hill station, you can find many designated camping spots. They are sure to provide an enjoyable and safe camping experience.
Picnicking
With scenic and lush green spots, Malshej Ghat is an ideal destination for family picnics. When talking about picnic spots on this hill, the Malshej Falls and Pimpalgaon Joga Dam areas are popular choices. You can spend a day out in nature surrounded by the attractiveness of the Western Ghats. You can pack your picnic basket and spend quality time with your friends and family.
Photography
Nowadays, photography is a hobby for many people. If you love capturing nature with your cameras, you will get a lot of opportunities in Malshej Ghat. The cascading waterfalls, misty mountains and stunning landscapes offer a lot of opportunities for photography. With your cameras, you can capture the beauty of scenic vistas, flora and wildlife of the region.
Bird Watching
Malshej Ghat is popular for its rich flora and fauna. So, it is undoubtedly, an excellent spot for bird watching. You can keep your binoculars and cameras ready and search for exotic birds like cuckoos, crakes, quails and flamingos. The post-monsoon and also the monsoon season are the best times for bird watching in this hill station. During these seasons, you can find many migratory birds visiting the hill station.
Rappelling at the Waterfall
Waterfall rappelling is a familiar activity among adventure-seekers in Malshej Ghat. The waterfalls in this destination are ideal for rappelling. Particularly, Jivdhan and Bhivpuri Waterfalls are the most popular spots for waterfall rappelling. This activity is suitable even for beginners as it is conducted under the guidance of trained professionals.
Visit Religious Sites
Malshej Ghat is the home to many religious sites including the Lenyadri Caves and Ganpati Temple. The former are a set of ancient rock-cut caves believed to have been built during the 1st century AD. The latter temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is one of the 8 Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra.
Paragliding
Malshej Ghat offers paragliding activities for those looking for adventure activities. With paragliding, you can get a bird’s eye view of the nearby landscapes.
Try Local Cuisine
Malshej Ghat is popular for its great-tasting local cuisine. This includes the Maharashtrian favourite Vada Pav. Other local delicacies you can try include kanda bhaji, missal pav and bhakri.
Key Attractions
Here are a few important attractions you can plan your visit to during your stay at Malshej Ghat:
Malshej Ghat Falls
One of the important attractions in Malshej Ghat is the Malshej Fall. If you plan your visit to the hill station during the monsoon season, you should not miss out on a visit to these waterfalls. You will feel mesmerized by the sight of water cascading down the rocky cliffs. The falls are accessible with ease from the main road. So, it is a perfect stop for those driving by car to Malshej Ghat from Mumbai, Pune and other nearby towns.
Ajoba Hill Fort
If you like trekking, you will love Ajoba Hill Fort in Malshej Ghat. Yes, this hill fort offers trekking opportunities with stunning views and challenging climbs. The fort is connected with the legend of Lord Rama and Sita. It means that you can expect both mythological and historical significance from the trek. The trek is moderately hard and takes nearly 4-5 hours. It passes through dense forests. So, you can expect not only an adventurous but also a scenic experience.
Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
This scenic dam standing on the Pushpavati River is an excellent spot both for picnics and bird watching. The reservoir that the dam creates attracts a lot of migratory birds including flamingos. So, it is a paradise for bird watchers. Not only for bird watching, this spot is ideal for photography, leisurely walks and picnics.
Harishchandragarh Fort
Again, this is a trekking destination in Malshej Ghat. At this spot, you can expect panoramic views of the surrounding regions. The fort is home to the attractive Konkan Kada Cliff, which is popular for its breathtaking views and semi-circular shape.
The Kedareshwar Cave Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is yet another key attraction in this fort destination. This is a moderately challenging trek and it will take around 5-6 hours.
Apart from these places if you are ready to drive some more distance, you can find many other attractions near Malshej Ghat. Examples include Igatpuri, Pune, Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Kolad, Bhandardara, Lavasa, Lonavala and Khandala.
Best Time & Season To Visit
You can choose your favourite among the different seasons suitable for visiting Malshej Ghat. The reason is that it is a year-round destination. Here are more details to help you decide on the suitable season:
July to September – Monsoon Season
This season is ideal for enjoying lush greenery. Also, when you visit during the monsoon, you can see the waterfalls in full swing. Also, the weather will be cool during this season. However, during the monsoon, the roads can become slippery. So, make sure to drive with the utmost care.
October to February – Winter Season
The winter season between October and February is ideal for bird watching, sightseeing and trekking. The weather during the season is pleasant, thereby making outdoor activities enjoyable.
March to June – Summer Season
Even though this is a warmer season, the evenings and mornings are comparatively cooler. If you wish to avoid monsoon crowds, you can choose this season for a quiet retreat.
Duration To See
To completely explore the Malshej Ghat, you need at least one to two days. If you are from Mumbai or Pune, you can opt for a day trip to this hill station. However, when you stay overnight, you can soak in the beauty of the hill station. In case you are planning to trek to nearby temples and forts, you need at least one or two days.
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
There is no entry fee to gain access to Malshej Ghat. However, if you are planning a trip to Pimpalgaon Joga Dam or Harishchandragarh Fort, you might have to pay a nominal entry fee. Also, if you are driving your car to these places, you might have to bear parking charges as well.
FAQ
Can I Visit Malshej Ghat During Monsoon?
Yes, during monsoon season, you can expect a different experience at this hill station. However, you should be cautious as the roads can be slippery. If you are planning a visit this season, do not forget to check the weather forecast before starting.
Are Accommodations Available in Malshej Ghat?
Yes, you can find different accommodation options in the hill station. This includes resorts run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, homestays and private hotels. In case you plan to visit during the monsoon or winter season, it is better to ensure that the accommodation booking is done in advance. The reason is that many people visit during these seasons. So, you might not find accommodations on the spot.
Is Malshej Ghat Suitable for Family Trips?
Of course, the serene waterfalls, ambience and easy-to-moderate trekking trails make it an excellent destination for families. Many youngsters also visit with their friends mainly to participate in adventure activities in this hill station.
Are There Restaurants in Malshej Ghat?
Yes, you can find a few restaurants in this hill station. They are Hotel Vikas Dhaba, Flamingo Restaurant, Hotel Maharaja and Shri Sadguru Family Garden Restaurant & Dhaba.
Conclusion
To conclude, Malshej Ghat is a captivating destination for all. It offers a combination of tranquillity, adventure and natural beauty. The proximity of this hill station to major cities and its year-round appeal, make it a must-visit spot in Maharashtra. You can expect an unforgettable experience in this destination irrespective of whether you take part in adventure activities, spend time in waterfalls or simply soak in its breathtaking views. So, get your backpack ready for a trip to this serene hill station. During your Maharashtra itinerary, you can try to include this place for a one or two-day trip.
Read my other posts related to Maharashtra
All You Need To Know About Chandrapur – City of Black Gold
Explore Mumbai – Top 15 Places to Visit in Mumbai Not to Miss
The Ultimate Guide About Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai’s Hidden Jewel
10-Day Maharashtra Itinerary – Exploring Cultural and Natural Odyssey
100 Places to Visit Near Mumbai to Consider For Your Next Trip
Pawna Lake Camping: A Tranquil Escape into Nature
